Nsw Car Yards Raided For Alleged Fraud

[GRKGTR]

Is justice finally being served?

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/nsw-car-yards-raided-for-alleged-fraud/news-story/7a4a91c2d55f9583dbbdb46e6cf84af1

NSW car yards raided for alleged fraud

Three Sydney car yards accused of winding back odometers on used vehicles have been raided by NSW police and Fair Trading NSW.

Officers entered the businesses on Parramatta Road simultaneously on Tuesday morning, inspecting tools in the rear of work vehicles and interviewing staff members.

Two of the businesses raided include Dream Car City and Edward Lees Imports.

One of the card yards under investigation is expected to have its trading suspended immediately while the rest will be forced to show why they shouldn't be shut down, according to Fair Trading.

Originally published as NSW car yards raided for alleged fraud

[PranK]

Wow!

I wonder if that one car yard who will be suspended immediately is EL...

[tridentt150v]

Would not be missed........from what I've heard.

Its a shame too, because there are heaps of honest dealers still doing OK, so no need for any fraud and in the long run it doesn't pay.

[japanesehistorycheck]

因果は回る車の輪 因果応報

[PranK]

因果は回る車の輪 因果応報

"Cause and effect will turn wheel of car retribution"

Thanks Google.

[GRKGTR]

So the article has now been updated....

Sydney car yards raided over alleged scam

Four Sydney car yards accused of winding back odometers on used cars have been raided by police and Fair Trading NSW.

Dream Car City has had trading immediately suspended by officers, who were waiting for the company's director when he arrived at the Parramatta Road business on Tuesday morning.

Simultaneously, officers were raiding two other properties, Edward Lees Imports, a Japanese import business that describes itself as Australia's number one import dealer, and Prestige Auto, both also on Parramatta Road.

A fourth raid has been carried out at Blacktown.

A potential buyer was at Edward Lees Imports when officers arrived and began searching workshops and inspecting tools in the rear of work vehicles as well as interviewing staff members.

It's believed a couple who reportedly bought a car there on Monday arrived with the vehicle on a tow truck later on Tuesday morning.

Fair Trading believes the vehicles, imported from Japan, have the odometer tampered with once they arrive in Australia to make them more appealing to local buyers.

Officers are expected to examine each car at the yards and compare odometer readings with de-registration documents from Japan.

The documents, which include details of the vehicle's previous use, are not provided when the vehicles are imported to Australia.

No charges have been laid over the raids and won't be until investigations are completed, according to Fair Trading NSW.

While Dream Car City had trading suspended immediately on Tuesday, the remaining businesses have been given the opportunity to plead their case as to why they should be able to continue operating.

[GTR-N1]

I gave you my 2c Phil.

No need to pay me back Phil.

Need a lift to Centrelink Phil?

Bus Stop ->

Either that or follow Eddie.

[PranK]

With a community of import owners as passionate as the Australian one you'd be stupid to do anything wrong.

[Japanese Odometer Check]

We got this ball rolling a long time ago....https://www.facebook.com/Japanese.Odometercheck/

Let's hope this will have a real and lasting effect on the industry. If you have bought an imported second hand vehicle from Japan or you are looking to buy one, please make sure you have the original paperwork or order it here: http://www.japaneseodometercheck.com

Here is an update from the NSW Department of Fair Trading. We especially like the following part: "...each proven count of odometer tampering under the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act attracting a fine of up to $22,000." That could be costly:-) And: "Fraud convictions attract a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment."


"16 February 2016

FOREIGN CAR DEALERS RAIDED IN OPERATION PARIS

A joint operation between NSW Fair Trading and NSW Police this morning uncovered evidence of illegal odometer tampering at four motor vehicle dealerships in Sydney.

Operation Paris has resulted in action against four motor dealers and three motor vehicle repairers associated with the four dealerships, following a two-year investigation by Fair Trading’s Compliance and Enforcement Division.

All actions captured by this morning’s search warrants involved alleged winding back of odometers in used cars imported from Japan. Dream Car City, located at 219-223 Parramatta Road, Haberfield, had its licence to operate suspended on the spot following execution of the search warrant.

The following dealerships have been issued Notices to Show Cause as to why disciplinary action should not be taken:

 Master Cars, 1/40 Forge Street, Blacktown

 Edward Lee Imports, 71-75 Parramatta Road, Concord

 Prestige Auto Centre, 175-179 Parramatta Road, Concord

Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said charges were expected to be laid for a number of offences including fraud (Crimes Act 1901), odometer tampering (Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013) and false advertising (Australian Consumer Law) if there is sufficient evidence.

“Our investigators have identified approximately 100 vehicles that have had their odometers tampered with and sold to consumers,” Mr Stowe said. “Of particular concern is the fact all affected vehicles identified through Operation Paris were second hand stock imported directly from Japan with no local records that allow verification of odometer readings.”

Evidence seized during the operation included deregistration certificates issued by Japan’s Bureau of Transportation, importation documents and papers relating to vehicle compliance with Australian road safety standards.

Mr Stowe said the problem of odometer tampering in imported cars appeared to be limited to Japan, where automatic deregistration applies to all vehicles after a stipulated time frame from the year of manufacture.

Mr Stowe commended Fair Trading investigators, NSW Police State Crime Command, Property Crime Squad, Roads and Maritime Services and Safe Work for their successful execution of Operation Paris.

NSW Police State Crime Command’s Property Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman, said the offences uncovered were serious with each proven count of odometer tampering under the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act attracting a fine of up to $22,000. Fraud convictions attract a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment."

Edited February 16, 2016 by Japanese Odometer Check

[gtrj]

Good to see some action finally. Remember, SAU is full of bastards for some reason according to Ed Lee's

[PranK]

Good to see some action finally. Remember, SAU is full of bastards for some reason according to Ed Lee's

Yeah, bastards that don't back down.

[junkie]

lets hope they dont weasel out of this one, somehow...

Edited February 16, 2016 by junkie

[jiffo]

The investigation has taken two years????

Someone's asleep, even ACA did better.

[Hadouken]

Sometimes the law has many hurdles.

Anyway. Haha. Edward Lees get shafted again. Lucky he isn't a bad guy

[Dose Pipe Sutututu]

my rust bucket shit box came from Edward Lees.. well the previous owner bought it from Edward Lees LOL

probably has 360xxx on the clock by now.. shows 160 xxx hahahah

[Xing Yi]

Didn't edward lees change his company a few weeks back. This was so some claimants could not get the refund or compensation they were looking for? Edward lees said it was for Tax reasons BS!

[PranK]

From Twitter, a NSW Fair Trading rep at a familiar looking red-coloured dealership.

[ShortCircuit]

[PranK]

I'd like that, ShortCircuit but this stupid site just said "You have reached your quota of positive votes for the day" - clearly I'm being far too positive.

Thanks for posting that. It makes it so much more official seeing it (ie, not a media over reaction)

[mmmE85]

Does anyone know the owner's of said importers.? I know one is phil " iam not a bad guy " lee.